Thursday: 7 Iraqis Killed, 13 Wounded

Last night, Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is launched
an investigation into widespread allegations of prisoner abuse in Iraqi jails.
A positive resolution to the inquiry could lead to better relations between
Sunnis and Shi’ites. Meanwhile, at least seven were killed and 13 more were
wounded in the latest violence. Also, Iraqi may press
Israel for reparations in the 1981 destruction of a nuclear plant.

Prime Minister Maliki has launched
an investigation into allegations of prisoner abuse and torture in Iraqi jails.
An eight-member committee will have two weeks to complete the investigation.
Many prisoners have complained of abuse and torture while detained in Iraqi
jails. Some claim to have been kept for months without being charged or tried.
Others have said that some jail officials have demanded bribes to hasten their
release. At least 115 Interior Ministry personnel have been detained themselves after
preliminary investigations.

A roadside bomb targeting the director of Saidiyawounded eight people. The
director, Ahmad Zarkoushi, is in critical condition. This was the fourth
attempt on his life. Five of his bodyguards and two bystanders were also
injured. Another reported bombing wounded
a man and his son.

In Baghdad, mortars struck the Green Zone, but
no casualties were as yet
reported. An accidental
fire at the Heath Ministry wounded 20 employees.